Ingredient Feature: Retinoids

Retinol, retinal, retinoid, retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, tretinoin... What do they all mean and what are the differences among them? In this blog we take a closer look at the differences between the two most common retinoids: retinol and all-trans retinoic acid.

Retinoids are derived from vitamin A. While the name comes from its relationship to the production of pigment in the retina of our eye, retinoids are more commonly known for their use in skin care and the tremendous benefits they offer for the skin. But what exactly do they do and how do you know which retinoid is right for you?

The first retinoid— all-trans retinoic acid (its chemical name) or tretinoin (generic name)—was approved (under the brand name Retin-A) almost 40 years ago as a prescription acne treatment. Dermatologists later found that it not only treated acne vulgaris, but it also helped to treat fine facial wrinkles. Now, there are multiple prescription-strength versions of tretinoin approved by the FDA for acne and some for fine facial wrinkles. Several other retinoid derivatives have also been developed for other skin diseases.

Since its introduction into skin care, the market has been saturated with various retinoid creams, gels and the like, along with cosmetic versions with related molecules. Deciding on the right one for you can be confusing.

Here’s what you should know: different retinoids are offered in multiple forms and strengths – both prescription and non-prescription and, depending on the particular retinoid in the family, they are recommended for different uses.

Here are some guidelines to help you understand the effectiveness and length of time before you may see results with the two primary types of retinoids available in skin care:

Tretinoin, or retinoic acid, requires a prescription from your skin care physician. It is used to treat acne, and in different cream bases can be used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, rough skin, and mottled hyperpigmentation.1 Experts believe it helps to speed up the skin’s natural exfoliation process and improve skin’s laxity. As a prescription-strength product, this topical treatment has expected side effects including redness, peeling, dryness and flaking of the skin.

Retinol is an ideal solution for those interested in a topical retinoid that does not require a prescription. Retinol refines the appearance of skin texture and tone for clearer-looking skin. You can learn more about Obagi’s line of retinol here.

Whether you’re interested in prescription-strength retinoic acid like Obagi® tretinoin products*, which are indicated for acne vulgaris, or a non-prescription alternative such as retinol, which can be found in the Obagi360 System, Obagi has a product for you. In addition, both tretinoin and retinol are offered in multiple strengths for your varying skin care needs.

Only your skin care physician can determine what is best for your skin. Be sure to meet with him or her to plan a skin care regimen that will deliver the most effective results and address your concerns.

*Indication
Tretinoin cream and gel is indicated for topical application in the treatment of acne vulgaris. The safety and efficacy of the long-term use of this product in the treatment of other disorders have not been established.

Important Safety Information
Tretinoin, USP, is contraindicated in individuals with a history of sensitivity reactions to any of its components. It should be discontinued if hypersensitivity is noted.

Tretinoin has been reported to cause severe irritation on eczematous skin and should be used with utmost caution in patients with this condition.

The skin of certain individuals may become excessively dry, red, swollen or blistered during the use of tretinoin. If warranted, these individuals should temporarily reduce the amount or frequency of application, or discontinue use temporarily or altogether.

The safety and efficacy of the use of this product in the treatment of other disorders have not been established.

Weather extremes, such as wind or cold, also may be irritating to patients under treatment with tretinoin.

Unprotected exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps, should be minimized during the use of tretinoin, and patients with sunburn should be advised not to use the product until fully recovered because of heightened susceptibility to sunlight as a result of the use of tretinoin.

Patients should be encouraged to use a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher and protective clothing over treated areas when exposure cannot be avoided.

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Obagi Systems and Products are physician-dispensed and should be used only under the guidance of your skin care physician. Please be advised that certain products have limited distribution and may not be available in your area. Please contact your Obagi skin care physician for more information.

Important Safety Information for Obagi Nu-Derm Clear and Blender®

(contains 4% hydroquinone)

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients should not use it. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.

WARNINGS:
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or lips. In case of accidental contact, patient should rinse eyes, nose, mouth, or lips with water and contact physician.

Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight exposure sustains melanocytic activity.

Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

PRECAUTIONS (ALSO SEE WARNINGS):
Treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation, which does not preclude treatment.

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant woman or affect reproductive capacity. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used on pregnant women only when clearly indicated.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.

Pediatric Usage: Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Use of the product should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients is noted.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients should not use it. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.

WARNINGS:
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or lips. In case of accidental contact, patient should rinse eyes, nose, mouth, or lips with water and contact physician.

Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight exposure sustains melanocytic activity.

Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

PRECAUTIONS (ALSO SEE WARNINGS):
Treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation, which does not preclude treatment.

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant woman or affect reproductive capacity. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used on pregnant women only when clearly indicated.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.

Pediatric Usage: Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Use of the product should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients is noted.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
People with prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients should not use it. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or in children (12 years and under) has not been established.

WARNINGS:
Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or lips. In case of accidental contact, patient should rinse eyes, nose, mouth, or lips with water and contact physician.

Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight exposure sustains melanocytic activity.

Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people.

PRECAUTIONS (ALSO SEE WARNINGS):
Treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation, which does not preclude treatment.

Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when used topically on a pregnant woman or affect reproductive capacity. It is not known to what degree, if any, topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically. Topical hydroquinone should be used on pregnant women only when clearly indicated.

Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.

Pediatric Usage: Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Use of the product should be discontinued if hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients is noted.